Good morning, Albany.

Mystic Pizza brings a musical adaptation stage show to Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany, featuring hits from Cyndi Lauper and Pat Benatar.

Local actor Marc Christopher — debuting after a nine-month tour with Chicago — stars, and the production runs until Aug. 9.

The 2026 Saratoga County Fair will add three new attractions — The Flying Wallendas, Scott’s Foam Party and Scott’s Crazy Comedy Magic Show — from July 21 to 26 at the fair in Saratoga County.

The University at Albany field hockey program announced a seven-person incoming class ahead of the 2026 season.

Coach Phil Sykes said five domestic and two international freshmen will join the returning team to boost the Great Danes for upcoming competitions.

Canadian wildfire smoke drifted over downtown Albany Tuesday — residents expressed concern about the haze as observers noted blue skies at an observation deck at Corning Tower above the Empire State Plaza.

The Apple Weather app is showing incorrect air quality readings today in the Capital Region as it displayed Amsterdam’s index as 500 while the actual reading is around 96 using data from AirNow.gov — Apple has been contacted for comment.

Officials in Troy relocated a red, yellow, blue panhandling sign from Hoosick Street to 8th Street on July 16 after vandals covered the original message, and community leaders now debate if the change improves traffic safety and draws attention to essential road signs.

Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello defends the anti-panhandling signs after a DOT review required only one sign on a state right of way be moved, leaving the others in place.

The signs, installed last year to encourage donations to nonprofits, have been vandalized several times.

Albany County health officials warned that wildfire smoke from Canada is causing unhealthy air on Thursday and announced free N95 masks for sensitive groups, available from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Events and Athletics Center on the former Saint Rose Campus (for older adults, children and those with breathing issues).

The UAlbany Football team hosted its inaugural Lift for Life on July 16 in Albany to raise funds for rare disease research + the event set a $10,000 goal to support those impacted by the condition.

Franz Ferdinand Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Empire Live — Tickets from $89 — Experience the iconic sounds of Franz Ferdinand live in Albany!

Guster Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Egg — Tickets vary — Enjoy an evening of catchy melodies from the beloved American rock band Guster.